A horrific incident of domestic violence in Tamil Nadu's Sivakasi has culminated in the deaths of four individuals, including the perpetrator. The tragedy unfolded after a man set his second wife, mother-in-law, and two stepchildren on fire following a family dispute.
The Fatal Morning Attack
On Tuesday morning, a scene of unspeakable violence played out at a residence on Muslim Odai Street in Sivakasi. Akbar Ali, aged 55, poured petrol on his sleeping family members and set them ablaze. The victims included his 35-year-old second wife, Syed Ali Fatima, her 60-year-old mother, Sikkander Beevi, and her two children from a previous marriage: 18-year-old daughter Parveen Banu and 13-year-old son Syed Farook.
According to police reports, the flames accidentally engulfed Akbar Ali during the attack, leaving him severely injured as well. The attack was not an isolated outburst but followed a history of conflict. Akbar Ali had been arrested earlier for assaulting his wife and was recently released on bail when he carried out this deadly act.
Mounting Death Toll at Hospital
All five individuals with critical burn injuries were rushed to the Sivakasi Government Hospital. The condition of two victims deteriorated rapidly. Syed Ali Fatima and her mother Sikkander Beevi succumbed to their injuries on Tuesday night itself.
The tragedy deepened on Wednesday when two more lives were lost. Akbar Ali, the accused, and his 13-year-old stepson Syed Farook died from the severe burns they sustained. The sole surviving victim, Parveen Banu, is currently stated to be stable and continues to receive treatment at the same hospital.
Police Investigation and Ongoing Probe
The Sivakasi Town police have registered a case and are conducting a detailed investigation into the gruesome event. The sequence of events points to a domestic dispute escalating into a premeditated act of extreme violence. The case highlights severe issues of domestic conflict and the potential consequences when such disputes spiral out of control.
This incident has sent shockwaves through the local community in Madurai district, raising urgent questions about intervention in domestic violence cases and bail conditions for accused individuals in such serious matters.
